It was then that Zhou You noticed the bird's talons gleaming metallically. Such a feature was impossible on a bird just a decade ago, and he could only imagine the damage it could inflict.

"What on earth is this creature? Did I somehow travel to another world?" Zhou You remained on high alert. Armed only with a military dagger from his backpack, he continued evading the giant bird, unsure of how to counterattack, and mainly using the terrain for cover.

The bird's patience waned. Seemingly frustrated with its elusive prey, it let out an enraged cry, lifting an entire tree with its talons and hurling it towards Zhou You.

Zhou You summoned his inner strength, leaping into the air. He grabbed onto a vine to propel himself out of the attack zone. Landing gracefully on a tree branch, his gaze grew increasingly menacing.

With no large trees left for cover, the enormous bird dove down excitedly. Timing his move perfectly, Zhou You vaulted upwards several meters, seizing a vine to swing onto its back. Rapidly, he wrapped the vine around the bird's neck and tightened his grip.

"I never expected even its feathers to be so hard. No wonder it seemed unaffected by blows. Is this even a bird?"

The giant bird soared higher, trying to shake off its human burden. Holding tight, Zhou You realized the vine's length was limited. Soon, it would be uprooted. He couldn’t let the bird fly higher, for even if he managed to deal with the creature, he would plunge to his death.

As the bird flipped with its back facing downward, Zhou You quickly shifted, climbing onto its belly. Just as he had suspected, the underbelly feathers